By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

Are you dogs as confused about the weather as your people are? If you love summer “daze” you’ve had a wonderful couple of weeks with almost-summer sunshine. But, if you prefer cool spring days, maybe they went by so quickly you could have missed them! Or maybe not. We’ll just have to take whatever comes next. In the meantime, remember your springtime rules. Stay out of the mud. (Your VIPeople definitely do not appreciate muddy paws brought indoors.) Stand still while you get the rain toweled off. (And shake before you come in.) If you catch a mouse, rat, chipmunk, or any other such creature, drop it as soon as you’re told to. (If it’s already dead, leave it – it’s not a toy.)

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

Everyone is puzzled by the non-seasonal weather we’ve been having, no matter where in the world you happen to be. Regardless of today’s weather, spring is on the way and that means there are lots of things to do for and with our dogs. You may have noticed the precautions (above) given to the dogs and, if you were on the ball, you also noticed that much of it is tied in with obedience training. So many of the routine things we do with our dogs really are (or should be) ways to make good use of the basic obedience we’ve taught them.

The warm weather has produced one of the big annual problems in our area, namely an influx of ticks. Deer ticks can be so small you can barely see them, but all forms of ticks are visible as well as harmful when they have gorged on dogs or people. There are now several products available to prevent tick bites and, thus, prevent dreaded Lyme disease, But if you are not sure which one your dog should have, check with your vet.

Dog owners are not sufficiently warned of another threat to the pets in our area: Coyotes. They live in wooded areas, and survive on woodchucks, mice, squirrels, even deer. They will attack and kill any cat or small dog, often attracted by garbage or barbeque leftovers. Never leave food out for your pets, or for any wild mammals. Always be aware that a prowling coyote could be out there when you let Rufus out last thing at night. Dogs should be on leash or within strong fencing. Take special precautions if you have underground fencing. People can’t see the barrier, nor can a coyote waiting to attack your dog. Please, please be aware of this early spring danger, and also note it’s one that is with us year-round.

When you get around to putting down the fertilizer, weed killers, and other garden essentials, be sure to read the product labels carefully. Even seemingly mild warnings could be hazardous to your particular dog. A few good rainfalls will usually eliminate the problem.

If you put down poison to kill mice or rats, be aware that Rufus could be poisoned if he gets the dead mouse in his mouth. So once again, read the labels, set traps safely away from the cats and dogs, and check the traps often, disposing of them properly.

Spring may be here or around the corner, so in addition to brushing up on dog school how about adding a few outdoor games while you’re waiting for summer. Dogs of all sizes seem to enjoy running through a tire (or hula-hoop) hung from a tree branch or just held above ground level. (Very small dogs and puppies prefer the latter.) Another game for medium-to-large sized dogs is soccer. (Don’t laugh!)  This can be played either with a (worn-out) soccer ball, basketball or with any large, lightweight ball. Dogs are not great at shooting baskets, but any large ball works well for canine soccer.

Until next time – BE GOOD & don’t be April Fooled!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.